National Board of Review selects 'Her' as best picture

Spike Jonze's "Her," with Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix, was named best film of 2013 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.

Spike Jonze's "Her," with Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix, was named best film of 2013 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. (Merrick Morton/Warner Bros.)

Susan King

"Her," Spike Jonze's quirky love story about a lonely man and his warmhearted computer operating system, was named best picture of 2013 on Wednesday by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. Jonze also won best director.

"Spike Jonze is one of the most talented and visionary filmmakers working today," said Annie Schulhof, NBR president, in a statement. "In 'Her, he explores the age-old themes of love and human connection in a completely fresh and innovative way."

Lead actor went to Bruce Dern as an elderly man who believes he's won $1 million in a magazine sweepstakes in "Nebraska." Emma Thompson earned lead actress honors as "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers in "Saving Mr. Banks."

"Wadjda" received the NBR Freedom of Expression Award, and "Gravity" was the recipient of the Creative Innovation in Filmmaker Award.

Notably missing from the winners' list was Steve McQueen's historical drama "12 Years a Slave," which is considered one of the favorites this awards season. The drama, though, was included in NBR's top 10 films of the year.

Also missing was David O. Russell's "American Hustle," which won three New York Film Critics Circle awards Tuesday, including best film. "American Hustle" didn't even place in the organization's top 10.

The National Board of Review, which was founded in 1909, is made up of film enthusiasts and professionals, academics, young filmmakers and students.

The NBR had been considered a bellwether for the Oscars, but the group and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences haven't agreed on a best picture winner since 2008's "Slumdog Millionaire."